Barcelona’s Eric Garcia celebrates with Jules Kounde, left, after scoring his side’s fourth goal during a Spanish La Liga football match between Sevilla and FC Barcelona on the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)
MADRID — Barcelona is ensuring there shall be a three-way fight for the Spanish league title.
The Catalan club moved closer to rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the highest of the standings on Sunday by routing Sevilla 4-1.
Article continues after this commercial
Robert Lewandowski, Fermín López, Raphinha and Eric García scored a goal each as Barcelona took advantage of the 1-1 draw between Madrid and Atletico within the capital derby on Saturday.
READ: Lewandowski scores winner as Barcelona beats Alaves in La Liga
Third-placed Barcelona is now two points behind leader Madrid and one point behind Atletico.
Barcelona had a snug away win despite fidgeting with 10 men from the 62nd when López was sent off for a tough foul. The red card was shown after a video review.
Article continues after this commercial
It was the third straight league win for Barcelona, and its ninth victory in 11 matches across all competitions.
Sevilla, in thirteenth place, has won only certainly one of its last five league games.
Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead within the seventh minute together with his eighth goal in his last nine games in all competitions. Ruben Vargas equalized a minute later for the hosts before López put Barcelona back in front within the forty sixth. Raphinha added to the lead within the fifty fifth and García sealed the win within the 89th.
READ: Barcelona routs Real Madrid again to win Spanish Super Cup final
“We would have liked to win to remain in contention and put some pressure on our rivals,” Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez said. “The team is fidgeting with a variety of confidence right away and we all know that we will still improve. We want to remain on this track.”
Defender Jules Koundé made his 124th appearance for Barcelona, equaling the mark of Ludovic Giuly in fifth place for probably the most appearances for Barcelona by a French player. Éric Abidal tops that list with 193 appearances.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo needed to be substituted about 20 minutes into the match with a right ankle injury.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
